TWICE THE FUN AND ADVENTURE
While offering completely different experiences, both Auckland and Queenstown’s majestic vistas, mouthwatering food, and unique charm are extraordinary and unforgettable
This is my first time in New Zealand, and it has always been on my bucket list. I've heard of stories of how beautiful it is, and how sheep outnumber the human population. I said to myself that if I ever visit, I must do and experience everything I can. And so, I did. If you told me that I would be skydiving on Valentine’s Day in New Zealand, I would have probably laughed and said I have better things to do (or should I say more romantic things to do, if I had a partner). But that’s exactly what I did, and I have no regrets whatsoever. Why would I not mark this romantic day with such an amazing experience?
I took a side trip around two cities in New Zealand after visiting one of the country’s best vineyards (which you can also read in this issue), to Auckland and Queenstown. Although they are located on different islands opposite each other, there are a lot of similarities to both cities. Both are bay areas that offer lots of unique activities (my skydiving experience took place in Auckland, if you were wondering, but more on that later), a cool and contemporary vibe, and good food. I split four nights between the two cities, and it was truly not enough time to enjoy even just the pure New Zealand air. A great first taste, but it will leave you wanting more, even to the point of wanting to retire here.
A LEAP OF FAITH
My first stop was Auckland, which is in the northern part of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a 10-hour-straight flight from Manila. Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city, coming in at about over a million and a half people. Not unlike many cosmopolitan cities around the world, Auckland has all of the modern trappings of the 21st century, but with somewhat of a fresher twist. Maybe it’s the air, or maybe it’s the people, but New Zealand is just so refreshing to be in. I would say, that it is certainly not the city for shopping. They have a few luxury brand outlets, unlike most other cosmopolitan cities. Being an egalitarian society, denizens do not fuss much about what they wear. It is common to see people barefoot on the streets, almost as if they just went out straight from their beds.